A Little Purse for Easter Sunday

I made this little purse for Monica as an Easter gift. I used two fat quarters (Monica chose them quite some time ago, so she forgot about them, which made for a nice surprise), a little over two feet of grosgrain, some interfacing and a magnetic clasp. I'm really happy with the way it turned out, and Monica loved carrying it to Mass and brunch!

The original tutorial does not have instructions for the clasp, but I like having the option of at least sort of closing bags. The flower on the front was made from the strap, but only after I had sewn it all together and realized I skipped the "cut 7 inches from the strap to make the flower" step! The seam ripper is my best friend.

Click here for the tutorial at If I Can Do It You Can Do It.

Men's Dress Shirt...Presto Chango!...Toddler Sundress

Another reason for the blogging hiatus...

My friend Claire shared this tutorial for a toddler sundress reconstructed from a mens' dress shirt. I am a real newbie when it comes to garment construction, so this did take longer than it would a more accomplished and experienced seamstress. I also chose a white, translucent shirt that I felt the need to line with that turquoise fabric that you see at the neckline. That was the most challenging part of the project because there are no instructions for that and, once again, I'm a newbie. But, I'm happy with the way it turned out. I may make another one later in the summer...

Thanks to Maureen for the pocket idea (made from the wrist cuff of the shirt and some pleats). Otherwise I would have spent way too much time and energy sewing those knife pleats all along the hem...Oy!

Pics...I wish I would have taken a picture of the shirt, pre-recon. It's fun to see the contrast! Here's the tutorial if your so craftily inclined...

Budding Business

One reason that my blogging took such a long hiatus is that I bought a sewing machine and I've been using it!

I recently sold about 30 flannel blanket and burp rag gift sets to two brick and mortar kids' stores . It was a lot of work in a short amount of time, but I had fun with it, mostly with choosing the fabric, actually. I love color and pattern and the world of textiles!

Here are some pics of some product. I don't have the best camera, nor am I the best photog, but you get the idea. You can check out my work here and here if you're local. Cheers to the beginnings of Sprout Designs!